diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 98bdd58ec52..8db3cd3d624 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -629,6 +629,9 @@ file does, and it is the authority when they disagree. The most useful starting
                _request_listener_slot()
                cg.add(hub.register_listener(var))
            ```
+           When several instances each own a list declared at the same size (one per hub of a
+           `MULTI_CONF` component), pass the owning object as the key, `_request_listener_slot(str(hub))`;
+           the define is then the largest count any one key requested instead of the total.
            ```cpp
            #ifdef MY_COMPONENT_LISTENER_COUNT
              void register_listener(MyComponentListener *listener);
diff --git a/esphome/components/coolix/climate.py b/esphome/components/coolix/climate.py
index 3eb8dbe2f41..fcca8b89dba 100644
--- a/esphome/components/coolix/climate.py
+++ b/esphome/components/coolix/climate.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import esphome.codegen as cg
-from esphome.components import climate_ir
+from esphome.components import climate_ir, remote_base
 from esphome.types import ConfigType
 
 AUTO_LOAD = ["climate_ir"]
@@ -12,4 +12,5 @@ CONFIG_SCHEMA = climate_ir.climate_ir_with_receiver_schema(CoolixClimate)
 
 
 async def to_code(config: ConfigType) -> None:
+    remote_base.request_protocol("coolix")  # used from C++
     await climate_ir.new_climate_ir(config)
diff --git a/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.cpp b/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.cpp
index 5a909738c6f..83039a5a9bf 100644
--- a/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.cpp
@@ -59,11 +59,6 @@ void Infrared::setup() {
   // Set up traits based on configuration
   this->traits_.set_supports_transmitter(this->has_transmitter());
   this->traits_.set_supports_receiver(this->has_receiver());
-
-  // Register as listener for received IR data
-  if (this->receiver_ != nullptr) {
-    this->receiver_->register_listener(this);
-  }
 }
 
 void Infrared::dump_config() {
diff --git a/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.h b/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.h
index b6863e37ce5..afbde57be2f 100644
--- a/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.h
+++ b/esphome/components/infrared/infrared.h
@@ -119,7 +119,8 @@ class Infrared : public Component, public EntityBase, public remote_base::Remote
   void dump_config() override;
   float get_setup_priority() const override { return setup_priority::AFTER_CONNECTION; }
 
-  /// Set the remote receiver component
+  /// Set the remote receiver component; the listener registration happens from codegen, see
+  /// remote_base.attach_receiver
   void set_receiver(remote_base::RemoteReceiverBase *receiver) { this->receiver_ = receiver; }
   /// Set the remote transmitter component
   void set_transmitter(remote_base::RemoteTransmitterBase *transmitter) { this->transmitter_ = transmitter; }
diff --git a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/infrared.py b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/infrared.py
index 3218889721c..288bd916738 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/infrared.py
+++ b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/infrared.py
@@ -3,7 +3,12 @@
 from typing import Any
 
 import esphome.codegen as cg
-from esphome.components import infrared, remote_receiver, remote_transmitter
+from esphome.components import (
+    infrared,
+    remote_base,
+    remote_receiver,
+    remote_transmitter,
+)
 from esphome.components.const import CONF_RECEIVER_FREQUENCY
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
 from esphome.const import CONF_CARRIER_DUTY_PERCENT, CONF_FREQUENCY
@@ -82,8 +87,7 @@ async def to_code(config: dict[str, Any]) -> None:
 
     # Link receiver if specified
     if CONF_REMOTE_RECEIVER_ID in config:
-        receiver = await cg.get_variable(config[CONF_REMOTE_RECEIVER_ID])
-        cg.add(var.set_receiver(receiver))
+        await remote_base.attach_receiver(var, config, CONF_REMOTE_RECEIVER_ID)
 
     # Set receiver demodulation frequency if specified (metadata only, no hardware effect)
     if CONF_RECEIVER_FREQUENCY in config:
diff --git a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.cpp b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.cpp
index c13c6198cb6..ceb4c9a67c3 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.cpp
@@ -97,10 +97,6 @@ void RfProxy::setup() {
 
   // remote_transmitter/receiver always uses OOK (on-off keying)
   this->traits_.add_supported_modulation(radio_frequency::RadioFrequencyModulation::RADIO_FREQUENCY_MODULATION_OOK);
-
-  if (this->receiver_ != nullptr) {
-    this->receiver_->register_listener(this);
-  }
 }
 
 void RfProxy::dump_config() {
diff --git a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.h b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.h
index 5fc683354ba..1aa4394fe84 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.h
+++ b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/ir_rf_proxy.h
@@ -56,7 +56,8 @@ class RfProxy final : public radio_frequency::RadioFrequency {
 
   /// Set the remote transmitter component
   void set_transmitter(remote_base::RemoteTransmitterBase *transmitter) { this->transmitter_ = transmitter; }
-  /// Set the remote receiver component
+  /// Set the remote receiver component; the listener registration happens from codegen, see
+  /// remote_base.attach_receiver
   void set_receiver(remote_base::RemoteReceiverBase *receiver) { this->receiver_ = receiver; }
 
   /// Set the fixed carrier frequency in Hz (metadata: advertised via traits, does not tune hardware)
diff --git a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/radio_frequency.py b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/radio_frequency.py
index a243909837f..28b8fd5953a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/radio_frequency.py
+++ b/esphome/components/ir_rf_proxy/radio_frequency.py
@@ -1,7 +1,12 @@
 """Radio Frequency platform implementation using remote_base (remote_transmitter/receiver)."""
 
 import esphome.codegen as cg
-from esphome.components import radio_frequency, remote_receiver, remote_transmitter
+from esphome.components import (
+    radio_frequency,
+    remote_base,
+    remote_receiver,
+    remote_transmitter,
+)
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
 from esphome.const import CONF_CARRIER_DUTY_PERCENT, CONF_FREQUENCY
 import esphome.final_validate as fv
@@ -66,5 +71,4 @@ async def to_code(config: ConfigType) -> None:
         cg.add(var.set_transmitter(transmitter))
 
     if CONF_REMOTE_RECEIVER_ID in config:
-        receiver = await cg.get_variable(config[CONF_REMOTE_RECEIVER_ID])
-        cg.add(var.set_receiver(receiver))
+        await remote_base.attach_receiver(var, config, CONF_REMOTE_RECEIVER_ID)
diff --git a/esphome/components/midea/climate.py b/esphome/components/midea/climate.py
index 0e03bca2336..07ad02d3afc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/midea/climate.py
+++ b/esphome/components/midea/climate.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 from esphome import automation
 import esphome.codegen as cg
-from esphome.components import climate, remote_transmitter, sensor, uart
+from esphome.components import climate, remote_base, remote_transmitter, sensor, uart
 from esphome.components.climate import ClimateMode, ClimatePreset, ClimateSwingMode
 from esphome.components.remote_base import CONF_TRANSMITTER_ID
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
@@ -280,6 +280,7 @@ async def to_code(config):
     cg.add(var.set_response_timeout(config[CONF_TIMEOUT].total_milliseconds))
     cg.add(var.set_request_attempts(config[CONF_NUM_ATTEMPTS]))
     if CONF_TRANSMITTER_ID in config:
+        remote_base.request_protocol("midea")  # ir_transmitter.h uses it from C++
         cg.add_define("USE_REMOTE_TRANSMITTER")
         transmitter_ = await cg.get_variable(config[CONF_TRANSMITTER_ID])
         cg.add(var.set_transmitter(transmitter_))
diff --git a/esphome/components/midea_ir/climate.py b/esphome/components/midea_ir/climate.py
index 84bfeab0d46..e1b2b56ada4 100644
--- a/esphome/components/midea_ir/climate.py
+++ b/esphome/components/midea_ir/climate.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import esphome.codegen as cg
-from esphome.components import climate_ir
+from esphome.components import climate_ir, remote_base
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
 from esphome.const import CONF_USE_FAHRENHEIT
 from esphome.types import ConfigType
@@ -19,5 +19,9 @@ CONFIG_SCHEMA = climate_ir.climate_ir_with_receiver_schema(MideaIR).extend(
 
 
 async def to_code(config: ConfigType) -> None:
+    # midea_ir uses MideaProtocol from C++ and auto-loads coolix, whose coolix.cpp uses
+    # CoolixProtocol even when no coolix climate is configured
+    remote_base.request_protocol("midea")
+    remote_base.request_protocol("coolix")
     var = await climate_ir.new_climate_ir(config)
     cg.add(var.set_fahrenheit(config[CONF_USE_FAHRENHEIT]))
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/__init__.py b/esphome/components/remote_base/__init__.py
index 19b8549f75a..27b6eb9fc82 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/__init__.py
@@ -1,6 +1,11 @@
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Any
+
 from esphome import automation
 import esphome.codegen as cg
 from esphome.components import binary_sensor
+from esphome.config_helpers import filter_source_files_from_defines
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
 from esphome.const import (
     CONF_ADDRESS,
@@ -40,11 +45,14 @@ from esphome.const import (
     CONF_ZERO,
 )
 from esphome.core import ID, coroutine
+from esphome.cpp_generator import MockObj
 from esphome.schema_extractors import SCHEMA_EXTRACT, schema_extractor
+from esphome.types import ConfigType
 from esphome.util import Registry, SimpleRegistry
 
 AUTO_LOAD = ["binary_sensor"]
 
+
 CONF_RECEIVER_ID = "receiver_id"
 CONF_TRANSMITTER_ID = "transmitter_id"
 CONF_FIRST = "first"
@@ -90,9 +98,42 @@ REMOTE_TRANSMITTABLE_SCHEMA = cv.Schema(
 )
 
 
-async def register_listener(var, config):
+# Listener and dumper lists are StaticVectors sized from these counts, so every registration
+# must go through add_listener / add_dumper. Every receiver's list gets the same capacity, so
+# the slots are keyed by receiver and the define is the largest count any one receiver needs.
+LISTENER_COUNT_DEFINE = "REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT"
+DUMPER_COUNT_DEFINE = "REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT"
+
+
+_request_listener_slot = cg.slot_counter(LISTENER_COUNT_DEFINE)
+_request_dumper_slot = cg.slot_counter(DUMPER_COUNT_DEFINE)
+
+
+def add_listener(receiver: MockObj, listener: MockObj) -> None:
+    _request_listener_slot(str(receiver))
+    cg.add(receiver.register_listener(listener))
+
+
+def add_dumper(receiver: MockObj, dumper: MockObj) -> None:
+    _request_dumper_slot(str(receiver))
+    cg.add(receiver.register_dumper(dumper))
+
+
+async def register_listener(var: MockObj, config: ConfigType) -> None:
     receiver = await cg.get_variable(config[CONF_RECEIVER_ID])
-    cg.add(receiver.register_listener(var))
+    add_listener(receiver, var)
+
+
+async def attach_receiver(
+    var: MockObj, config: ConfigType, key: str = CONF_RECEIVER_ID
+) -> None:
+    """Link the configured receiver to an entity and register the entity as its listener.
+
+    The C++ set_receiver() no longer registers the listener; the slot for it is counted here.
+    """
+    receiver = await cg.get_variable(config[key])
+    cg.add(var.set_receiver(receiver))
+    add_listener(receiver, var)
 
 
 async def register_transmittable(var, config):
@@ -100,8 +141,53 @@ async def register_transmittable(var, config):
     cg.add(var.set_transmitter(transmitter_))
 
 
-def register_binary_sensor(name, type, schema):
-    return BINARY_SENSOR_REGISTRY.register(name, type, schema)
+# Registry names that share a protocol source file
+def _protocol_stem(name: str) -> str:
+    if name.startswith("rc_switch"):
+        return "rc_switch"
+    if name == "canalsatld":
+        return "canalsat"
+    return name
+
+
+def protocol_define(name: str) -> str:
+    return f"USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_{_protocol_stem(name).upper()}"
+
+
+_PROTOCOL_STEMS = sorted(
+    path.name.removesuffix("_protocol.cpp")
+    for path in Path(__file__).parent.glob("*_protocol.cpp")
+)
+
+
+def request_protocol(name: str) -> None:
+    """Keep a protocol's source file in the build; components using it from C++ must call this."""
+    if _protocol_stem(name) not in _PROTOCOL_STEMS:
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"Unknown remote protocol {name!r}; expected one of {', '.join(_PROTOCOL_STEMS)}"
+        )
+    cg.add_define(protocol_define(name))
+
+
+# Only the protocol sources a configuration uses are compiled
+FILTER_SOURCE_FILES = filter_source_files_from_defines(
+    {f"{stem}_protocol.cpp": protocol_define(stem) for stem in _PROTOCOL_STEMS}
+)
+
+
+def register_binary_sensor(
+    name: str, type: MockObj, schema: cv.Schema | dict
+) -> Callable[[Callable[[MockObj, ConfigType], Any]], Callable]:
+    registerer = BINARY_SENSOR_REGISTRY.register(name, type, schema)
+
+    def decorator(func: Callable[[MockObj, ConfigType], Any]) -> Callable:
+        async def new_func(var: MockObj, config: ConfigType) -> None:
+            request_protocol(name)
+            await coroutine(func)(var, config)
+
+        return registerer(new_func)
+
+    return decorator
 
 
 def register_trigger(name, type, data_type):
@@ -114,6 +200,7 @@ def register_trigger(name, type, data_type):
 
     def decorator(func):
         async def new_func(config):
+            request_protocol(name)
             var = cg.new_Pvariable(config[CONF_TRIGGER_ID])
             await coroutine(func)(var, config)
             await automation.build_automation(var, [(data_type, "x")], config)
@@ -131,6 +218,7 @@ def register_dumper(name, type, schema=None):
 
     def decorator(func):
         async def new_func(config, dumper_id):
+            request_protocol(name)
             var = cg.new_Pvariable(dumper_id)
             await coroutine(func)(var, config)
             return var
@@ -171,6 +259,7 @@ def register_action(name, type_, schema):
 
     def decorator(func):
         async def new_func(config, action_id, template_arg, args):
+            request_protocol(name)
             var = cg.new_Pvariable(action_id, template_arg)
             await register_transmittable(var, config)
             if CONF_REPEAT in config:
@@ -213,7 +302,13 @@ DUMPER_REGISTRY = Registry()
 def validate_dumpers(value):
     if isinstance(value, str) and value.lower() == "all":
         return validate_dumpers(list(DUMPER_REGISTRY.keys()))
-    return cv.validate_registry("dumper", DUMPER_REGISTRY)(value)
+    entries = cv.validate_registry("dumper", DUMPER_REGISTRY)(value)
+    # a dumper listed twice would register twice; the receiver holds one secondary dumper
+    return list(
+        {
+            next(k for k in entry if k in DUMPER_REGISTRY): entry for entry in entries
+        }.values()
+    )
 
 
 def validate_triggers(base_schema):
@@ -1439,7 +1534,7 @@ def validate_rc_switch_raw_code(value):
 
 def build_rc_switch_protocol(config):
     if isinstance(config, int):
-        return rc_switch_protocols[config]
+        return rc_switch_protocol(config)
     pl = config[CONF_PULSE_LENGTH]
     return RCSwitchBase(
         config[CONF_SYNC][0] * pl,
@@ -1526,7 +1621,7 @@ RC_SWITCH_TRANSMITTER = cv.Schema(
     }
 )
 
-rc_switch_protocols = ns.RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS
+rc_switch_protocol = ns.rc_switch_protocol
 RCSwitchData = ns.struct("RCSwitchData")
 RCSwitchBase = ns.class_("RCSwitchBase")
 RCSwitchTrigger = ns.class_("RCSwitchTrigger", RemoteReceiverTrigger)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/abbwelcome_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/abbwelcome_protocol.h
index 7ff32923bef..a309c124eed 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/abbwelcome_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/abbwelcome_protocol.h
@@ -191,9 +191,9 @@ class ABBWelcomeData {
 
 class ABBWelcomeProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<ABBWelcomeData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ABBWelcomeData &src) override;
-  optional<ABBWelcomeData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const ABBWelcomeData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ABBWelcomeData &src);
+  optional<ABBWelcomeData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const ABBWelcomeData &data);
 
  protected:
   void encode_byte_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, uint8_t data) const;
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/aeha_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/aeha_protocol.h
index 3f4e98bd438..98a55011552 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/aeha_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/aeha_protocol.h
@@ -15,9 +15,9 @@ struct AEHAData {
 
 class AEHAProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<AEHAData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const AEHAData &data) override;
-  optional<AEHAData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const AEHAData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const AEHAData &data);
+  optional<AEHAData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const AEHAData &data);
 
  private:
   std::string format_data_(const std::vector<uint8_t> &data);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/beo4_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/beo4_protocol.h
index 30b99dbeb77..ed9d6aa6712 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/beo4_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/beo4_protocol.h
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ struct Beo4Data {
 
 class Beo4Protocol : public RemoteProtocol<Beo4Data> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const Beo4Data &data) override;
-  optional<Beo4Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const Beo4Data &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const Beo4Data &data);
+  optional<Beo4Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const Beo4Data &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Beo4)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/brennenstuhl_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/brennenstuhl_protocol.h
index 1d5b6217147..bfea463b7d4 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/brennenstuhl_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/brennenstuhl_protocol.h
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ struct BrennenstuhlData {
 
 class BrennenstuhlProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<BrennenstuhlData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const BrennenstuhlData &data) override;
-  optional<BrennenstuhlData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const BrennenstuhlData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const BrennenstuhlData &data);
+  optional<BrennenstuhlData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const BrennenstuhlData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Brennenstuhl)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/byronsx_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/byronsx_protocol.h
index 674fa99ea10..c71390c267c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/byronsx_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/byronsx_protocol.h
@@ -21,9 +21,9 @@ struct ByronSXData {
 
 class ByronSXProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<ByronSXData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ByronSXData &data) override;
-  optional<ByronSXData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const ByronSXData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ByronSXData &data);
+  optional<ByronSXData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const ByronSXData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(ByronSX)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/canalsat_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/canalsat_protocol.h
index 5ba9115ea86..09bead18b3c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/canalsat_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/canalsat_protocol.h
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ struct CanalSatLDData : public CanalSatData {};
 
 class CanalSatBaseProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<CanalSatData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const CanalSatData &data) override;
-  optional<CanalSatData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const CanalSatData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const CanalSatData &data);
+  optional<CanalSatData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const CanalSatData &data);
 
  protected:
   uint16_t frequency_;
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/coolix_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/coolix_protocol.h
index d9441e84178..29a306ce291 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/coolix_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/coolix_protocol.h
@@ -21,9 +21,9 @@ struct CoolixData {
 
 class CoolixProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<CoolixData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const CoolixData &data) override;
-  optional<CoolixData> decode(RemoteReceiveData data) override;
-  void dump(const CoolixData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const CoolixData &data);
+  optional<CoolixData> decode(RemoteReceiveData data);
+  void dump(const CoolixData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Coolix)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/dish_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/dish_protocol.h
index c89f4e78e11..f319b55f432 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/dish_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/dish_protocol.h
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ struct DishData {
 
 class DishProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<DishData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DishData &data) override;
-  optional<DishData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const DishData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DishData &data);
+  optional<DishData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const DishData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Dish)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/dooya_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/dooya_protocol.h
index 148c7c17bc8..954c3cf1d38 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/dooya_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/dooya_protocol.h
@@ -20,9 +20,9 @@ struct DooyaData {
 
 class DooyaProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<DooyaData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DooyaData &data) override;
-  optional<DooyaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const DooyaData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DooyaData &data);
+  optional<DooyaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const DooyaData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Dooya)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/drayton_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/drayton_protocol.h
index 693a1bbe85b..4e879f0f75b 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/drayton_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/drayton_protocol.h
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@ struct DraytonData {
 
 class DraytonProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<DraytonData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DraytonData &data) override;
-  optional<DraytonData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const DraytonData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DraytonData &data);
+  optional<DraytonData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const DraytonData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Drayton)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/dyson_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/dyson_protocol.h
index 3473a489b2c..663e50fb4b5 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/dyson_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/dyson_protocol.h
@@ -21,9 +21,9 @@ struct DysonData {
 
 class DysonProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<DysonData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DysonData &data) override;
-  optional<DysonData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const DysonData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const DysonData &data);
+  optional<DysonData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const DysonData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Dyson)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/gobox_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/gobox_protocol.h
index f6b278771e0..0c8797af70c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/gobox_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/gobox_protocol.h
@@ -31,9 +31,9 @@ class GoboxProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<GoboxData> {
   void dump_timings_(const RawTimings &timings) const;
 
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const GoboxData &data) override;
-  optional<GoboxData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const GoboxData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const GoboxData &data);
+  optional<GoboxData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const GoboxData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Gobox)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/haier_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/haier_protocol.h
index 9c45ba1a635..e1fd60411fc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/haier_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/haier_protocol.h
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ struct HaierData {
 
 class HaierProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<HaierData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const HaierData &data) override;
-  optional<HaierData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const HaierData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const HaierData &data);
+  optional<HaierData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const HaierData &data);
 
  protected:
   void encode_byte_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, uint8_t item);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h
index f6e2548dead..5911664fc39 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/jvc_protocol.h
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ struct JVCData {
 
 class JVCProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<JVCData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const JVCData &data) override;
-  optional<JVCData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const JVCData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const JVCData &data);
+  optional<JVCData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const JVCData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(JVC)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/keeloq_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/keeloq_protocol.h
index 432313b87b2..335fbd164b1 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/keeloq_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/keeloq_protocol.h
@@ -24,9 +24,9 @@ struct KeeloqData {
 
 class KeeloqProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<KeeloqData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const KeeloqData &data) override;
-  optional<KeeloqData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const KeeloqData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const KeeloqData &data);
+  optional<KeeloqData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const KeeloqData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Keeloq)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h
index 97159749956..91dfbadb0c2 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/lg_protocol.h
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ struct LGData {
 
 class LGProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<LGData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const LGData &data) override;
-  optional<LGData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const LGData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const LGData &data);
+  optional<LGData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const LGData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(LG)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/magiquest_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/magiquest_protocol.h
index 18662ec7598..f0d2410fe27 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/magiquest_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/magiquest_protocol.h
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@ struct MagiQuestData {
 
 class MagiQuestProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<MagiQuestData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const MagiQuestData &data) override;
-  optional<MagiQuestData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const MagiQuestData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const MagiQuestData &data);
+  optional<MagiQuestData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const MagiQuestData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(MagiQuest)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/midea_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/midea_protocol.h
index 47bad6826fc..85bbef1cb1f 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/midea_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/midea_protocol.h
@@ -67,9 +67,9 @@ class MideaData {
 
 class MideaProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<MideaData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const MideaData &src) override;
-  optional<MideaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const MideaData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const MideaData &src);
+  optional<MideaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const MideaData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Midea)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/mirage_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/mirage_protocol.h
index c967e72f134..a37fb93f4fd 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/mirage_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/mirage_protocol.h
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ struct MirageData {
 
 class MirageProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<MirageData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const MirageData &data) override;
-  optional<MirageData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const MirageData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const MirageData &data);
+  optional<MirageData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const MirageData &data);
 
  protected:
   void encode_byte_(RemoteTransmitData *dst, uint8_t item);
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h
index 7b310e8ba5b..1337f7a8b32 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/nec_protocol.h
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ struct NECData {
 
 class NECProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<NECData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const NECData &data) override;
-  optional<NECData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const NECData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const NECData &data);
+  optional<NECData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const NECData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(NEC)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/nexa_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/nexa_protocol.h
index ebcd2a2c113..ebf85387b04 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/nexa_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/nexa_protocol.h
@@ -24,9 +24,9 @@ class NexaProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<NexaData> {
   void zero(RemoteTransmitData *dst) const;
   void sync(RemoteTransmitData *dst) const;
 
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const NexaData &data) override;
-  optional<NexaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const NexaData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const NexaData &data);
+  optional<NexaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const NexaData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Nexa)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h
index d13c0f27985..84df3c08b72 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/panasonic_protocol.h
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ struct PanasonicData {
 
 class PanasonicProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<PanasonicData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const PanasonicData &data) override;
-  optional<PanasonicData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const PanasonicData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const PanasonicData &data);
+  optional<PanasonicData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const PanasonicData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Panasonic)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h
index 514ab675016..d02bd3451f2 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/pioneer_protocol.h
@@ -13,9 +13,9 @@ struct PioneerData {
 
 class PioneerProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<PioneerData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const PioneerData &data) override;
-  optional<PioneerData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const PioneerData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const PioneerData &data);
+  optional<PioneerData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const PioneerData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Pioneer)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/pronto_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/pronto_protocol.h
index f4f6b2144d9..bfd04c5cd9a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/pronto_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/pronto_protocol.h
@@ -30,9 +30,9 @@ class ProntoProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<ProntoData> {
   std::string compensate_and_dump_sequence_(const RawTimings &data, uint16_t timebase);
 
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ProntoData &data) override;
-  optional<ProntoData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const ProntoData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ProntoData &data);
+  optional<ProntoData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const ProntoData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Pronto)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h
index dbb89e41c60..f6f0f33c6e2 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc5_protocol.h
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ struct RC5Data {
 
 class RC5Protocol : public RemoteProtocol<RC5Data> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const RC5Data &data) override;
-  optional<RC5Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const RC5Data &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const RC5Data &data);
+  optional<RC5Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const RC5Data &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(RC5)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc6_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc6_protocol.h
index fda9d98ecbb..c4a2e8529bb 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc6_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc6_protocol.h
@@ -15,9 +15,9 @@ struct RC6Data {
 
 class RC6Protocol : public RemoteProtocol<RC6Data> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const RC6Data &data) override;
-  optional<RC6Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const RC6Data &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const RC6Data &data);
+  optional<RC6Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const RC6Data &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(RC6)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.cpp b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.cpp
index 612558ca1c9..de16c55cb02 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.cpp
@@ -1,29 +1,21 @@
 #include "rc_switch_protocol.h"
+
+#include <iterator>
+#include "esphome/core/hal.h"
 #include "esphome/core/log.h"
 
 namespace esphome::remote_base {
 
 static const char *const TAG = "remote.rc_switch";
 
-const RCSwitchBase RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS[9] = {RCSwitchBase(0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, false),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(350, 10850, 350, 1050, 1050, 350, false),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(650, 6500, 650, 1300, 1300, 650, false),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(3000, 7100, 400, 1100, 900, 600, false),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(380, 2280, 380, 1140, 1140, 380, false),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(3000, 7000, 500, 1000, 1000, 500, false),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(10350, 450, 450, 900, 900, 450, true),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(300, 9300, 150, 900, 900, 150, false),
-                                             RCSwitchBase(250, 2500, 250, 1250, 250, 250, false)};
-
-RCSwitchBase::RCSwitchBase(uint32_t sync_high, uint32_t sync_low, uint32_t zero_high, uint32_t zero_low,
-                           uint32_t one_high, uint32_t one_low, bool inverted)
-    : sync_high_(sync_high),
-      sync_low_(sync_low),
-      zero_high_(zero_high),
-      zero_low_(zero_low),
-      one_high_(one_high),
-      one_low_(one_low),
-      inverted_(inverted) {}
+RCSwitchBase rc_switch_protocol(uint8_t index) {
+  RCSwitchBase protocol;
+  // entry 0 is the all-zero protocol, so an out of range index from a lambda transmits nothing
+  if (index >= std::size(RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS))
+    index = 0;
+  progmem_memcpy(&protocol, &RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS[index], sizeof(protocol));
+  return protocol;
+}
 
 void RCSwitchBase::one(RemoteTransmitData *dst) const {
   if (!this->inverted_) {
@@ -133,11 +125,11 @@ bool RCSwitchBase::decode(RemoteReceiveData &src, uint64_t *out_data, uint8_t *o
 optional<RCSwitchData> RCSwitchBase::decode(RemoteReceiveData &src) const {
   RCSwitchData out;
   uint8_t out_nbits;
-  for (uint8_t i = 1; i <= 8; i++) {
+  for (size_t i = 1; i < std::size(RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS); i++) {
     src.reset();
     const RCSwitchBase *protocol = &RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS[i];
     if (protocol->decode(src, &out.code, &out_nbits) && out_nbits >= 3) {
-      out.protocol = i;
+      out.protocol = static_cast<uint8_t>(i);
       return out;
     }
   }
@@ -246,7 +238,7 @@ bool RCSwitchRawReceiver::matches(RemoteReceiveData src) {
   return decoded_nbits == this->nbits_ && (decoded_code & this->mask_) == (this->code_ & this->mask_);
 }
 bool RCSwitchDumper::dump(RemoteReceiveData src) {
-  for (uint8_t i = 1; i <= 8; i++) {
+  for (size_t i = 1; i < std::size(RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS); i++) {
     src.reset();
     uint64_t out_data;
     uint8_t out_nbits;
@@ -257,7 +249,7 @@ bool RCSwitchDumper::dump(RemoteReceiveData src) {
         buffer[j] = (out_data & ((uint64_t) 1 << (out_nbits - j - 1))) ? '1' : '0';
 
       buffer[out_nbits] = '\0';
-      ESP_LOGI(TAG, "Received RCSwitch Raw: protocol=%u data='%s'", i, buffer);
+      ESP_LOGI(TAG, "Received RCSwitch Raw: protocol=%u data='%s'", static_cast<unsigned>(i), buffer);
 
       // only send first decoded protocol
       return true;
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h
index 3224c04fb29..9ccea4d15a5 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/rc_switch_protocol.h
@@ -16,9 +16,16 @@ class RCSwitchBase {
  public:
   using ProtocolData = RCSwitchData;
 
-  RCSwitchBase() = default;
-  RCSwitchBase(uint32_t sync_high, uint32_t sync_low, uint32_t zero_high, uint32_t zero_low, uint32_t one_high,
-               uint32_t one_low, bool inverted);
+  constexpr RCSwitchBase() = default;
+  constexpr RCSwitchBase(uint32_t sync_high, uint32_t sync_low, uint32_t zero_high, uint32_t zero_low,
+                         uint32_t one_high, uint32_t one_low, bool inverted)
+      : sync_high_(sync_high),
+        sync_low_(sync_low),
+        zero_high_(zero_high),
+        zero_low_(zero_low),
+        one_high_(one_high),
+        one_low_(one_low),
+        inverted_(inverted) {}
 
   void one(RemoteTransmitData *dst) const;
 
@@ -58,10 +65,28 @@ class RCSwitchBase {
   uint32_t zero_low_{};
   uint32_t one_high_{};
   uint32_t one_low_{};
-  bool inverted_{};
+  uint32_t inverted_{};  // bool widened so every field is a word: the table is read from flash
 };
 
-extern const RCSwitchBase RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS[9];
+// Constant-initialized and kept in flash on every platform. The decoder reads entries in place
+// through a pointer, which ESP8266 only allows while every field is a whole word; copies out of
+// the table go through rc_switch_protocol()
+static_assert(sizeof(RCSwitchBase) == 7 * sizeof(uint32_t), "RCSwitchBase must stay word-only for flash reads");
+inline constexpr RCSwitchBase RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS[] PROGMEM = {
+    {0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, false},
+    {350, 10850, 350, 1050, 1050, 350, false},
+    {650, 6500, 650, 1300, 1300, 650, false},
+    {3000, 7100, 400, 1100, 900, 600, false},
+    {380, 2280, 380, 1140, 1140, 380, false},
+    {3000, 7000, 500, 1000, 1000, 500, false},
+    {10350, 450, 450, 900, 900, 450, true},
+    {300, 9300, 150, 900, 900, 150, false},
+    {250, 2500, 250, 1250, 250, 250, false},
+};
+
+/// RAM copy of RC_SWITCH_PROTOCOLS[index] (0 when out of range) for the transmit actions and the dumper, made with
+/// progmem_memcpy so no byte load ever touches the flash table on ESP8266
+RCSwitchBase rc_switch_protocol(uint8_t index);
 
 uint64_t decode_binary_string(const std::string &data);
 
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.cpp b/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.cpp
index 4d9bc55f216..5d1bba16b61 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.cpp
@@ -99,29 +99,48 @@ bool RemoteReceiverBinarySensorBase::on_receive(RemoteReceiveData src) {
 
 /* RemoteReceiverBase */
 
+// Slots are counted at code generation; a registration from C++ setup() has none
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT
+void RemoteReceiverBase::register_listener(RemoteReceiverListener *listener) {
+  if (this->listeners_.size() == REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT) {
+    ESP_LOGE(TAG, "No %s slot: register it from to_code() with remote_base.add_%s", LOG_STR_LITERAL("listener"),
+             LOG_STR_LITERAL("listener"));
+    return;
+  }
+  this->listeners_.push_back(listener);
+}
+#endif
+
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT
 void RemoteReceiverBase::register_dumper(RemoteReceiverDumperBase *dumper) {
   if (dumper->is_secondary()) {
-    this->secondary_dumpers_.push_back(dumper);
-  } else {
+    if (this->secondary_dumper_ == nullptr) {
+      this->secondary_dumper_ = dumper;
+      return;
+    }
+  } else if (this->dumpers_.size() != REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT) {
     this->dumpers_.push_back(dumper);
+    return;
   }
+  ESP_LOGE(TAG, "No %s slot: register it from to_code() with remote_base.add_%s", LOG_STR_LITERAL("dumper"),
+           LOG_STR_LITERAL("dumper"));
 }
+#endif
 
-void RemoteReceiverBase::call_listeners_() {
+void RemoteReceiverBase::call_listeners_dumpers_() {
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT
   for (auto *listener : this->listeners_)
     listener->on_receive(RemoteReceiveData(this->temp_, this->tolerance_, this->tolerance_mode_));
-}
-
-void RemoteReceiverBase::call_dumpers_() {
+#endif
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT
   bool success = false;
   for (auto *dumper : this->dumpers_) {
     if (dumper->dump(RemoteReceiveData(this->temp_, this->tolerance_, this->tolerance_mode_)))
       success = true;
   }
-  if (!success) {
-    for (auto *dumper : this->secondary_dumpers_)
-      dumper->dump(RemoteReceiveData(this->temp_, this->tolerance_, this->tolerance_mode_));
-  }
+  if (!success && this->secondary_dumper_ != nullptr)
+    this->secondary_dumper_->dump(RemoteReceiveData(this->temp_, this->tolerance_, this->tolerance_mode_));
+#endif
 }
 
 void RemoteReceiverBinarySensorBase::dump_config() { LOG_BINARY_SENSOR("", "Remote Receiver Binary Sensor", this); }
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h
index 4e2ed4b71cb..67e5799bcaf 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/remote_base.h
@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <concepts>
 #include <utility>
 #include <vector>
 
-#pragma once
-
 #include "esphome/components/binary_sensor/binary_sensor.h"
 #include "esphome/core/automation.h"
 #include "esphome/core/component.h"
 #include "esphome/core/hal.h"
+#include "esphome/core/helpers.h"
 
 namespace esphome::remote_base {
 
@@ -141,6 +143,22 @@ class RemoteRMTChannel {
 #endif  // SOC_RMT_SUPPORTED
 #endif  // USE_ESP32
 
+// Protocol shapes, checked where a protocol is used so a missing method fails at the use site
+// instead of deep inside a template body. Receive-only protocols such as RCSwitchBase decode
+// without encoding.
+template<typename T>
+concept RemoteProtocolDecoder = requires(T proto, RemoteReceiveData src) {
+  { proto.decode(src) } -> std::same_as<optional<typename T::ProtocolData>>;
+};
+template<typename T>
+concept RemoteProtocolDumper = RemoteProtocolDecoder<T> && requires(T proto, const typename T::ProtocolData &data) {
+  proto.dump(data);
+};
+template<typename T>
+concept RemoteProtocolEncoder = requires(T proto, RemoteTransmitData *dst, const typename T::ProtocolData &data) {
+  proto.encode(dst, data);
+};
+
 class RemoteTransmitterBase : public RemoteComponentBase {
  public:
   RemoteTransmitterBase(InternalGPIOPin *pin) : RemoteComponentBase(pin) {}
@@ -162,8 +180,8 @@ class RemoteTransmitterBase : public RemoteComponentBase {
     this->temp_.reset();
     return TransmitCall(this);
   }
-  template<typename Protocol>
-  void transmit(const Protocol::ProtocolData &data, uint32_t send_times = 1, uint32_t send_wait = 0) {
+  template<RemoteProtocolEncoder Protocol>
+  void transmit(const typename Protocol::ProtocolData &data, uint32_t send_times = 1, uint32_t send_wait = 0) {
     auto call = this->transmit();
     Protocol().encode(call.get_data(), data);
     call.set_send_times(send_times);
@@ -194,24 +212,37 @@ class RemoteReceiverDumperBase {
 class RemoteReceiverBase : public RemoteComponentBase {
  public:
   RemoteReceiverBase(InternalGPIOPin *pin) : RemoteComponentBase(pin) {}
-  void register_listener(RemoteReceiverListener *listener) { this->listeners_.push_back(listener); }
+  // Slots are counted at code generation; without one the call fails at compile time with the same message
+  // the runtime check logs
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT
+  void register_listener(RemoteReceiverListener *listener);
+#else
+  template<typename T> void register_listener(T *) {
+    static_assert(sizeof(T) == 0, "No listener slot: register it from to_code() with remote_base.add_listener");
+  }
+#endif
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT
   void register_dumper(RemoteReceiverDumperBase *dumper);
+#else
+  template<typename T> void register_dumper(T *) {
+    static_assert(sizeof(T) == 0, "No dumper slot: register it from to_code() with remote_base.add_dumper");
+  }
+#endif
   void set_tolerance(uint32_t tolerance, ToleranceMode tolerance_mode) {
     this->tolerance_ = tolerance;
     this->tolerance_mode_ = tolerance_mode;
   }
 
  protected:
-  void call_listeners_();
-  void call_dumpers_();
-  void call_listeners_dumpers_() {
-    this->call_listeners_();
-    this->call_dumpers_();
-  }
+  void call_listeners_dumpers_();
 
-  std::vector<RemoteReceiverListener *> listeners_;
-  std::vector<RemoteReceiverDumperBase *> dumpers_;
-  std::vector<RemoteReceiverDumperBase *> secondary_dumpers_;
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT
+  StaticVector<RemoteReceiverListener *, REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT> listeners_;
+#endif
+#ifdef REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT
+  StaticVector<RemoteReceiverDumperBase *, REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT> dumpers_;
+  RemoteReceiverDumperBase *secondary_dumper_{nullptr};  // runs only when no primary dumper matched
+#endif
   RawTimings temp_;
   uint32_t tolerance_{25};
   ToleranceMode tolerance_mode_{TOLERANCE_MODE_PERCENTAGE};
@@ -229,15 +260,14 @@ class RemoteReceiverBinarySensorBase : public binary_sensor::BinarySensorInitial
 
 /* TEMPLATES */
 
+// Protocols are used only through their concrete type (see the RemoteProtocol* concepts); encode/decode/dump
+// stay non-virtual so unused ones link out
 template<typename T> class RemoteProtocol {
  public:
   using ProtocolData = T;
-  virtual void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ProtocolData &data) = 0;
-  virtual optional<ProtocolData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) = 0;
-  virtual void dump(const ProtocolData &data) = 0;
 };
 
-template<typename T> class RemoteReceiverBinarySensor : public RemoteReceiverBinarySensorBase {
+template<RemoteProtocolDecoder T> class RemoteReceiverBinarySensor : public RemoteReceiverBinarySensorBase {
  public:
   RemoteReceiverBinarySensor() : RemoteReceiverBinarySensorBase() {}
 
@@ -255,7 +285,7 @@ template<typename T> class RemoteReceiverBinarySensor : public RemoteReceiverBin
   T::ProtocolData data_;
 };
 
-template<typename T>
+template<RemoteProtocolDecoder T>
 class RemoteReceiverTrigger final : public Trigger<typename T::ProtocolData>, public RemoteReceiverListener {
  protected:
   bool on_receive(RemoteReceiveData src) override {
@@ -276,8 +306,8 @@ class RemoteTransmittable {
   void set_transmitter(RemoteTransmitterBase *transmitter) { this->transmitter_ = transmitter; }
 
  protected:
-  template<typename Protocol>
-  void transmit_(const Protocol::ProtocolData &data, uint32_t send_times = 1, uint32_t send_wait = 0) {
+  template<RemoteProtocolEncoder Protocol>
+  void transmit_(const typename Protocol::ProtocolData &data, uint32_t send_times = 1, uint32_t send_wait = 0) {
     this->transmitter_->transmit<Protocol>(data, send_times, send_wait);
   }
   RemoteTransmitterBase *transmitter_;
@@ -298,7 +328,7 @@ template<typename... Ts> class RemoteTransmitterActionBase : public RemoteTransm
   virtual void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, Ts... x) = 0;
 };
 
-template<typename T> class RemoteReceiverDumper : public RemoteReceiverDumperBase {
+template<RemoteProtocolDumper T> class RemoteReceiverDumper : public RemoteReceiverDumperBase {
  public:
   bool dump(RemoteReceiveData src) override {
     auto proto = T();
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/roomba_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/roomba_protocol.h
index 3582dac398b..8db025f812a 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/roomba_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/roomba_protocol.h
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ struct RoombaData {
 
 class RoombaProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<RoombaData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const RoombaData &data) override;
-  optional<RoombaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const RoombaData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const RoombaData &data);
+  optional<RoombaData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const RoombaData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Roomba)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung36_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung36_protocol.h
index 4f15d906e76..df4e1af8d8c 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung36_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung36_protocol.h
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ struct Samsung36Data {
 
 class Samsung36Protocol : public RemoteProtocol<Samsung36Data> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const Samsung36Data &data) override;
-  optional<Samsung36Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const Samsung36Data &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const Samsung36Data &data);
+  optional<Samsung36Data> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const Samsung36Data &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Samsung36)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h
index bb234d681de..dfa22ff85ce 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/samsung_protocol.h
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ struct SamsungData {
 
 class SamsungProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<SamsungData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const SamsungData &data) override;
-  optional<SamsungData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const SamsungData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const SamsungData &data);
+  optional<SamsungData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const SamsungData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Samsung)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h
index eb873e8b7dc..f83b2908b61 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/sony_protocol.h
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ struct SonyData {
 
 class SonyProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<SonyData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const SonyData &data) override;
-  optional<SonyData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const SonyData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const SonyData &data);
+  optional<SonyData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const SonyData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Sony)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/symphony_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/symphony_protocol.h
index 7caf5eab867..40a5c2daec9 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/symphony_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/symphony_protocol.h
@@ -17,9 +17,9 @@ struct SymphonyData {
 
 class SymphonyProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<SymphonyData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const SymphonyData &data) override;
-  optional<SymphonyData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const SymphonyData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const SymphonyData &data);
+  optional<SymphonyData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const SymphonyData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Symphony)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/toshiba_ac_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/toshiba_ac_protocol.h
index 8a853005acb..35d5af314cb 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/toshiba_ac_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/toshiba_ac_protocol.h
@@ -14,9 +14,9 @@ struct ToshibaAcData {
 
 class ToshibaAcProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<ToshibaAcData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ToshibaAcData &data) override;
-  optional<ToshibaAcData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const ToshibaAcData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const ToshibaAcData &data);
+  optional<ToshibaAcData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const ToshibaAcData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(ToshibaAc)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_base/toto_protocol.h b/esphome/components/remote_base/toto_protocol.h
index 285c9f21257..8e965a5c739 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_base/toto_protocol.h
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_base/toto_protocol.h
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ struct TotoData {
 
 class TotoProtocol : public RemoteProtocol<TotoData> {
  public:
-  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const TotoData &data) override;
-  optional<TotoData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src) override;
-  void dump(const TotoData &data) override;
+  void encode(RemoteTransmitData *dst, const TotoData &data);
+  optional<TotoData> decode(RemoteReceiveData src);
+  void dump(const TotoData &data);
 };
 
 DECLARE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL(Toto)
diff --git a/esphome/components/remote_receiver/__init__.py b/esphome/components/remote_receiver/__init__.py
index 6e8c73d331a..b2fd87165e4 100644
--- a/esphome/components/remote_receiver/__init__.py
+++ b/esphome/components/remote_receiver/__init__.py
@@ -221,11 +221,11 @@ async def to_code(config: ConfigType) -> None:
 
     dumpers = await remote_base.build_dumpers(config[CONF_DUMP])
     for dumper in dumpers:
-        cg.add(var.register_dumper(dumper))
+        remote_base.add_dumper(var, dumper)
 
     triggers = await remote_base.build_triggers(config)
     for trigger in triggers:
-        cg.add(var.register_listener(trigger))
+        remote_base.add_listener(var, trigger)
     await cg.register_component(var, config)
 
     cg.add(
diff --git a/esphome/components/toshiba/climate.py b/esphome/components/toshiba/climate.py
index 3b1e7352f98..e5f8544f2fe 100644
--- a/esphome/components/toshiba/climate.py
+++ b/esphome/components/toshiba/climate.py
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import esphome.codegen as cg
-from esphome.components import climate_ir
+from esphome.components import climate_ir, remote_base
 import esphome.config_validation as cv
 from esphome.const import CONF_MODEL
 from esphome.types import ConfigType
@@ -26,5 +26,6 @@ CONFIG_SCHEMA = climate_ir.climate_ir_with_receiver_schema(ToshibaClimate).exten
 
 
 async def to_code(config: ConfigType) -> None:
+    remote_base.request_protocol("toshiba_ac")  # used from C++
     var = await climate_ir.new_climate_ir(config)
     cg.add(var.set_model(config[CONF_MODEL]))
diff --git a/esphome/core/defines.h b/esphome/core/defines.h
index 9144e65576f..6b9b9eda43f 100644
--- a/esphome/core/defines.h
+++ b/esphome/core/defines.h
@@ -137,6 +137,43 @@
 #define MICRONOVA_LISTENER_COUNT 1
 #define USE_MICRONOVA_WRITER
 #define MK2PVROUTER_LISTENER_COUNT 1
+#define REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT 1
+#define REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT 1
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_ABBWELCOME
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_AEHA
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_BEO4
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_BRENNENSTUHL
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_BYRONSX
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_CANALSAT
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_COOLIX
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_DISH
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_DOOYA
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_DRAYTON
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_DYSON
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_GOBOX
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_HAIER
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_JVC
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_KEELOQ
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_LG
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_MAGIQUEST
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_MIDEA
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_MIRAGE
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_NEC
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_NEXA
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_PANASONIC
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_PIONEER
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_PRONTO
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_RAW
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_RC5
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_RC6
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_RC_SWITCH
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_ROOMBA
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_SAMSUNG
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_SAMSUNG36
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_SONY
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_SYMPHONY
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_TOSHIBA_AC
+#define USE_REMOTE_PROTOCOL_TOTO
 #define SERIAL_PROXY_COUNT 2
 #define SNTP_SERVER_COUNT 3
 #define USE_MEDIA_PLAYER
diff --git a/esphome/cpp_helpers.py b/esphome/cpp_helpers.py
index 53b59cb1240..fc44d27f472 100644
--- a/esphome/cpp_helpers.py
+++ b/esphome/cpp_helpers.py
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-from collections.abc import Callable
+from collections.abc import Callable, Hashable
 from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 import logging
 
@@ -142,9 +142,10 @@ _SLOT_COUNTER_DOMAIN = "slot_counter"
 
 @dataclass
 class _SlotCounterState:
-    """Per-run slot counter state: requested counts and already-emitted defines."""
+    """Per-run slot counter state: requested counts per define and key, and
+    already-emitted defines."""
 
-    counts: dict[str, int] = field(default_factory=dict)
+    counts: dict[str, dict[Hashable, int]] = field(default_factory=dict)
     emitted: set[str] = field(default_factory=set)
 
 
@@ -156,11 +157,13 @@ def _get_slot_counter_state() -> _SlotCounterState:
 
 
 def get_slot_count(define: str) -> int:
-    """Number of slots requested so far for `define`."""
-    return _get_slot_counter_state().counts.get(define, 0)
+    """Value `define` would be emitted with so far: the largest count requested
+    under any one key, which is the plain request count when no key is used."""
+    counts = _get_slot_counter_state().counts.get(define)
+    return max(counts.values()) if counts else 0
 
 
-def slot_counter(define: str) -> Callable[[], None]:
+def slot_counter(define: str) -> Callable[..., None]:
     """Create a request_slot function for codegen-sized storage.
 
     The pattern behind a StaticVector listener array: a consumer's to_code
@@ -169,6 +172,11 @@ def slot_counter(define: str) -> Callable[[], None]:
     emitted with the requested count. No requests, no define: the guarded
     storage and its registration method compile out entirely.
 
+    When several objects each declare the storage at the same size (one list
+    per receiver, per hub, ...) the caller passes the owning object as `key`
+    and the define becomes the largest count any one key requested, not the
+    total. Requests without a key share one count.
+
     The counts live in a table under CORE.data, which clears between runs.
     A request arriving after the define was already emitted raises instead of
     silently undercounting: the define would keep the stale smaller value and
@@ -179,10 +187,10 @@ def slot_counter(define: str) -> Callable[[], None]:
     async def emit_job() -> None:
         state = _get_slot_counter_state()
         state.emitted.add(define)
-        # Scheduled only by the first request, so the count is always >= 1 here.
-        add_define(define, state.counts[define])
+        # Scheduled only by the first request, so there is at least one count here.
+        add_define(define, max(state.counts[define].values()))
 
-    def request_slot() -> None:
+    def request_slot(key: Hashable = None) -> None:
         state = _get_slot_counter_state()
         if define in state.emitted:
             raise ValueError(
@@ -190,10 +198,16 @@ def slot_counter(define: str) -> Callable[[], None]:
                 f"define was emitted; request slots from to_code, not from a "
                 f"job running after FINAL emission"
             )
-        counts = state.counts
-        counts[define] = (count := counts.get(define, 0) + 1)
-        if count == 1:
+        counts = state.counts.get(define)
+        if counts is None:
+            counts = state.counts[define] = {}
             CORE.add_job(emit_job)
+        elif (key is None) != (None in counts):
+            # a keyed and an unkeyed request would compare buckets instead of adding up
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"slot_counter('{define}'): every request must use a key, or none of them"
+            )
+        counts[key] = counts.get(key, 0) + 1
 
     return request_slot
 
diff --git a/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/__init__.py b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..e69de29bb2d
diff --git a/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_bare.yaml b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_bare.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b4741948015
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_bare.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+esphome:
+  name: test
+
+esp32:
+  board: esp32dev
+
+remote_receiver:
+  - id: rcvr
+    pin: GPIO4
diff --git a/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_with_dumpers.yaml b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_with_dumpers.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..32c1b07f579
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_with_dumpers.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+esphome:
+  name: test
+
+esp32:
+  board: esp32dev
+
+logger:
+
+remote_receiver:
+  - id: rcvr
+    pin: GPIO4
+    dump:
+      - nec
+      - rc_switch
+    on_nec:
+      then:
+        - logger.log: nec
+
+binary_sensor:
+  - platform: remote_receiver
+    name: Remote Input
+    nec:
+      address: 0x1234
+      command: 0x5678
diff --git a/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_with_proxies.yaml b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_with_proxies.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..c443a842f23
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/config/receiver_with_proxies.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+esphome:
+  name: test
+
+esp32:
+  board: esp32dev
+
+remote_receiver:
+  - id: rcvr_ir
+    pin: GPIO4
+  - id: rcvr_rf
+    pin: GPIO5
+
+infrared:
+  - platform: ir_rf_proxy
+    name: IR Receiver
+    remote_receiver_id: rcvr_ir
+
+radio_frequency:
+  - platform: ir_rf_proxy
+    name: RF Receiver
+    frequency: 433.92MHz
+    remote_receiver_id: rcvr_rf
diff --git a/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/test_slot_counts.py b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/test_slot_counts.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..f381a640929
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/component_tests/remote_receiver/test_slot_counts.py
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+"""Listener and dumper StaticVector sizes come from codegen slot counts."""
+
+from collections.abc import Callable
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import pytest
+
+from esphome.automation import ACTION_REGISTRY
+from esphome.components import remote_base
+import esphome.config_validation as cv
+
+from ..helpers import get_define_value
+
+
+def test_dumper_and_listener_counts(
+    generate_main: Callable[[str | Path], str],
+    component_config_path: Callable[[str], Path],
+) -> None:
+    generate_main(component_config_path("receiver_with_dumpers.yaml"))
+    # nec and rc_switch dumpers
+    assert get_define_value("REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT") == "2"
+    # on_nec trigger plus the remote_receiver binary sensor
+    assert get_define_value("REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT") == "2"
+
+
+def test_bare_receiver_emits_no_counts(
+    generate_main: Callable[[str | Path], str],
+    component_config_path: Callable[[str], Path],
+) -> None:
+    generate_main(component_config_path("receiver_bare.yaml"))
+    assert get_define_value("REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT") is None
+    assert get_define_value("REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT") is None
+
+
+def test_proxy_receivers_count_as_listeners(
+    generate_main: Callable[[str | Path], str],
+    component_config_path: Callable[[str], Path],
+) -> None:
+    generate_main(component_config_path("receiver_with_proxies.yaml"))
+    # one proxy entity listens on each of the two receivers; every receiver's list gets the
+    # capacity of the busiest one, so this is the largest per receiver count, not the sum
+    assert get_define_value("REMOTE_BASE_LISTENER_COUNT") == "1"
+    assert get_define_value("REMOTE_BASE_DUMPER_COUNT") is None
+
+
+def test_only_used_protocol_sources_are_compiled(
+    generate_main: Callable[[str | Path], str],
+    component_config_path: Callable[[str], Path],
+) -> None:
+    generate_main(component_config_path("receiver_with_dumpers.yaml"))
+    excluded = set(remote_base.FILTER_SOURCE_FILES())
+    assert "nec_protocol.cpp" not in excluded
+    assert "rc_switch_protocol.cpp" not in excluded
+    assert "sony_protocol.cpp" in excluded
+    assert "remote_base.cpp" not in excluded
+
+
+def test_every_registry_name_maps_to_a_protocol_source() -> None:
+    """A registry name must resolve to a source file or request_protocol rejects it."""
+    names = (
+        set(remote_base.BINARY_SENSOR_REGISTRY)
+        | set(remote_base.DUMPER_REGISTRY)
+        | {key.removeprefix("on_") for key in remote_base.TRIGGER_REGISTRY}
+        | {
+            key.removeprefix("remote_transmitter.transmit_")
+            for key in ACTION_REGISTRY
+            if key.startswith("remote_transmitter.transmit_")
+        }
+    )
+    assert len(names) > 40
+    for name in names:
+        assert remote_base._protocol_stem(name) in remote_base._PROTOCOL_STEMS, name
+
+
+def test_request_protocol_rejects_unknown_names() -> None:
+    """A misspelled protocol would otherwise surface only as a link error."""
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Unknown remote protocol 'toshiba'"):
+        remote_base.request_protocol("toshiba")
+
+
+def test_dump_list_is_deduplicated_across_forms() -> None:
+    dumpers = remote_base.validate_dumpers(["raw", {"raw": None}, "nec", "nec"])
+    assert [
+        next(k for k in entry if k in remote_base.DUMPER_REGISTRY) for entry in dumpers
+    ] == ["raw", "nec"]
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("bad", [["nec", None], [5]])
+def test_dump_list_rejects_invalid_entries_with_a_validation_error(bad: list) -> None:
+    with pytest.raises(cv.Invalid):
+        remote_base.validate_dumpers(bad)
diff --git a/tests/components/remote_receiver/bare-common.yaml b/tests/components/remote_receiver/bare-common.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..c100c5c2da4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/remote_receiver/bare-common.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+# A receiver with no dumpers and no listeners compiles both lists out.
+# Only built while remote_receiver is tested in isolation: the counts are global defines,
+# so this variant cannot be merged with configs that register any.
+remote_receiver:
+  - id: rcvr_bare
+    pin: ${pin}
diff --git a/tests/components/remote_receiver/test-bare.esp32-idf.yaml b/tests/components/remote_receiver/test-bare.esp32-idf.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..152853b65fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/remote_receiver/test-bare.esp32-idf.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+substitutions:
+  pin: GPIO2
+
+packages:
+  bare: !include bare-common.yaml
diff --git a/tests/unit_tests/test_cpp_helpers.py b/tests/unit_tests/test_cpp_helpers.py
index 1c0e0d0a931..725c1daebb4 100644
--- a/tests/unit_tests/test_cpp_helpers.py
+++ b/tests/unit_tests/test_cpp_helpers.py
@@ -187,6 +187,31 @@ def test_slot_counter_emits_requested_count() -> None:
     assert _define_value("TEST_SLOT_COUNT") == "2"
 
 
+def test_slot_counter_keyed_emits_largest_count() -> None:
+    """Keyed requests size storage every key declares at the same capacity:
+    the define is the busiest key's count, not the total over all keys."""
+    request = ch.slot_counter("TEST_SLOT_COUNT_KEYED")
+    request("rx_a")
+    request("rx_a")
+    request("rx_a")
+    request("rx_b")
+    assert ch.get_slot_count("TEST_SLOT_COUNT_KEYED") == 3
+    ch.CORE.flush_tasks()
+    assert _define_value("TEST_SLOT_COUNT_KEYED") == "3"
+
+
+def test_slot_counter_rejects_mixed_keyed_and_unkeyed_requests() -> None:
+    """A keyed and an unkeyed request for one define cannot be sized together."""
+    request = ch.slot_counter("TEST_SLOT_COUNT_MIXED")
+    request("rx_a")
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="TEST_SLOT_COUNT_MIXED"):
+        request()
+    unkeyed = ch.slot_counter("TEST_SLOT_COUNT_MIXED_2")
+    unkeyed()
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="TEST_SLOT_COUNT_MIXED_2"):
+        unkeyed("rx_a")
+
+
 def test_slot_counter_without_requests_emits_nothing() -> None:
     """No requests, no job, no define — the guarded storage compiles out."""
     ch.slot_counter("TEST_SLOT_COUNT_UNUSED")